Technical Article

As mentioned in Part 1 of the article, the current standard for glass structures DIN 18008‑3 requires point-supported fittings for glass components created using FEM in order to design the sufficient load‑bearing capacity. The rules are described in Annex B of the standard [1].

Background of Design

To perform the design, it is necessary to create the relevant analytical model and verify it with regard to the standard or the general technical approval of the individual products.

Verification of Analytical Model

First, the quality of results on a drilling hole has to be checked. For this, it is important to define the FE mesh settings or to refine the FE mesh in the drilling area in such a way that the results correspond with the required values specified in DIN 18008.

The surfaces of the top and bottom side of the fitting are modeled using contact solids, which can only transfer compression forces. The stiffness of the solid is selected according to the stiffness of the existing glass fitting.

The last step is the verification of the entire model. For this, both substructures previously modeled are merged. The considered structural dimensions, as well as the required results, refer to the technical approvals [3].

The results displayed in Figure 04 show a very good accordance between the existing and the required results. This verified FE model is further used as a basis for the calculation of the actual structural system.

Design Using FEM Analysis

Because it is a structure with loads to be designed, the structural system described in Part 1 of the article will be used. Thus, the differences between both design types become clear.

The FEM model previously made will now be inserted into the structure to be designed. The resulting stresses are used for the design.

Summary

The comparison of the two calculation methods clearly shows that there may be certain differences in the calculated design ratios. In the present case, the design ratio is about 40% lower due to the exact analysis. Although this cannot be generally assumed, it illustrates that a precise FEM analysis can often have advantages.